# Describe a language you would like to learn: IELTS Speaking sample answers

Speaking Part 2 - Education

Describe a language other than English you would like to learn.

You should say:
- what the language is
- where it is spoken
- how you would learn it
- and explain why you would like to learn it

Source: Sample answers and examiner notes are written by Testmigo.

## Band 7 sample

A language I'd really like to learn is Spanish. I've studied a few words before, but I can't say much more than 'hello' and 'thank you', so I'd like to learn it properly.

Spanish is spoken in Spain, of course, but also in most countries in Central and South America, like Mexico, Argentina and Colombia. I think it's one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, so it would be useful in many different places. It's also spoken by a lot of people in the United States.

I think the best way for me to learn would be a combination of different methods. First, I'd like to take an evening course at a language school, because I need a teacher to explain the grammar to me and correct my mistakes. Then I would practise every day with an app on my phone, maybe for fifteen or twenty minutes, to learn vocabularies. And finally, I'd like to watch Spanish series with subtitles, because I think it's a fun way to get used to the pronunciation and how people really speak.

There are a few reasons why I want to learn it. The main one is travel. My dream is to backpack around South America for a few months, and I know that outside the big cities many people don't speak English, so it would make the trip much easier and more interesting. Another reason is music. I listen a lot of Latin music, and I'd love to understand the lyrics instead of just singing along without knowing what they mean.

Also, I've heard that Spanish pronunciation is quite regular, so it's not too difficult for English speakers. So I'm hopeful I can make good progress.

**Examiner notes.** This Band 7 answer is well organised and covers all four points, with a sensible learning plan and clear personal reasons. Vocabulary is good ("widely spoken", "get used to the pronunciation", "backpack around", "singing along"), though linkers are predictable ("First... Then... And finally", "Also... So"), and the ideas stay fairly general. Grammar mostly stays within safe structures, and there are typical errors: a missing preposition in "I listen a lot of Latin music" (rather than "listen to") and "to learn vocabularies" (rather than "vocabulary", which is uncountable here). Band 8 adds more precise and idiomatic language, more interesting detail about the language itself and more flexible linking.

The Band 8 sample is free with an account on the [topic page](https://testmigo.com/ielts/speaking/topics/describe-a-language-you-want-to-learn).

## Common questions

### How long should an IELTS Speaking Part 2 answer be?

You get one minute to prepare and then speak for up to two minutes; the examiner stops you at two. Aim to keep talking for the full time, which is usually 220 to 300 words.

### Can I use these sample answers in my test?

No. Examiners are trained to spot memorised answers, and a learned script is marked down. Use the samples to see what each band does, then answer in your own words.